Time to talk about the F word.
Yesterday’s f word was frivolous: Healthy Frappucinos.
But today, it’s time to get more serious; today’s f word is “future.” Specifically, my future and the future of my chocolate-covered blog.
The future of Chocolate Covered Katie…
This summer, I had to make a big decision regarding the blog I’ve written for over three years. I enjoy every second of the blogging process—from writing posts to creating recipes to setting up photoshoots to interacting with readers. But keeping up a blog takes a lot of time, and as the blog has grown, so too has the time requirement. Answering the hundreds of daily questions I receive from readers could be a full-time job in itself!
I knew there’d be no way to maintain a full-time job and still focus as much passion and energy as I’d like on CCK. If I didn’t want to give up the blog completely, I would at least be forced to give it less than my full attention.
This was not ok with me. When I do something, I do it 100% or not at all. But I couldn’t imagine giving up all my passions to make room for a job where I’d be miserable. Therefore, I decided to make this blog…
My full-time job.
It seems to easy, now, to write the above statement. Just. Like. That. But the truth is my decision wasn’t just like that. It took many hours of going back and forth, writing pros-and-cons lists, and eating a copious number of chocolate bars to counter all the nervousness. There were many “cons” on the list of reasons not to keep blogging, but I realized that most of them had something to do with security. And when it comes down to it, I’d rather take a risk if there’s a possibility to be ridiculously happy.
With Robert Frost’s “Road not Taken” poem in mind, I’ve decided to not go out and look for a “real” job. Instead, I will be a full-time blogger, at Chocolate-Covered Katie.
Nothing is going to change, except that I’ll now have even more time to dream up—and experiment with—healthy dessert creations like hot chocolate fudge cinnamon rolls or chocolate pumpkin cream pie. If I have a chance to do what I love for a living, I need to take that chance. I have to take a risk and at least try!
The fact that I even have the opportunity to make this choice is all thanks to you. If you’ve ever recommended my site to a friend, shared a link, liked the Chocolate Covered Katie Facebook Page, made one of my recipes, or even simply read one of my posts, I am so incredibly grateful.
Yes, I’m scared about the future now that I’ve made my decision. But I’m also excited because of the people with whom I’ll get to interact every day: you all! (Well, you all and chocolate. I must admit to being pretty thrilled my job lets me work so closely with chocolate.) I think part of my apprehension for the future is unavoidable no matter what route I take. That’s just the nature of getting out on one’s own and defining one’s life. It’s a scary time.
I am so indebted to your support and kindness that makes it even possible for me to explore this path. I hope, if any of you are ever faced with a scary decision requiring you to take a leap of faith, that you go for it! Don’t force your passions to take a back seat to the “shoulds” and “have to”s in life, because you only stand to look back someday with regret, thinking:
“What if I’d followed my dreams???”
I made the decision about a year a go to give up the university course i wasn’t enjoying, and the checkout-job at Asda (think Walmart) that was draining my soul, to become a full-time crafter! It’s still scary, as i don’t earn Nearly enough money yet! But I’d rather struggle a little and do a job that makes me So happy, than earn enough but hate every minute of it! Now my job consists of polka dotting and glittering funky names and shapes! I wouldn’t change a thing =] Life’s too short to do a job you don’t absolutely LOVE! Great choice Katie =] I hope you enjoy every second of it! <3 xx
Your new job sounds way more fun! 😉
Good luck… hopefully we can both succeed, long-term, in following our dreams!
I only just stumbled across your blog last week Katie so am VERY glad you’re not going to give it up! Great recipes without feeling like you’re missing out. Good luck with the full-time venture!
I’m so glad you found me!! 🙂
Yay!!!!! I am an avid reader and would be so upset to not see your healthy dessert posts anymore. Because really they are the only “healthy” dessert recipes I have ever made from a blog that have turned out any good. I made an avocado pudding from another blog that was horrible, and same thing with a batch of cookies even my not picky brother wouldn’t touch! But I know I can always trust your recipes. They are amazing, just like YOU!
Haha you probably will never see an avocado pudding recipe on my blog! 😉
So glad to read this as I only just found your blog, via your mint ice cream recipe – finally got my vitamix and want to get the timings right for ice creams, so different from my crappy old blender. But instead of timings I found somone who has the same experimental approach to food as me, but does it way better and blogs it all, how fabulous. I’m glad you are continuing and I hope it goes wonderfully well for you, when I add food links to my blog yours will be on there.
Aww thanks Cally! I’m so glad you found me. And have fun playing with your new vita-mix! 🙂
I just found your blog last month, and I want to make EVERYTHING! I can tell you, that doesn’t usually happen with a blog. I’ll read the blog and think something sounds good, but never good enough to actually try. With your blog, its different. I read the posts and have to run out the door that very minute to get the stuff I need to make the recipe. But usually I already have everything I need, so I can make the recipe right away :). I’m not a chef by any means, but when I make your recipes I always feel like a 5 star chef because they turn out SO GOOD and everyone always raves about them. Your cookie pie was a huge hit when I brought it to a party, as were the snickerdoodle blondies. I also made the peach breakfast bake for my mom, and I love the cake batter milkshake for myself. My newest favorite is your peanut butter cookies for one. They’re SO GOOD!
I definitely try–as much as possible– to not use hard-to-find ingredients. ‘Cause I am the same way: when I see a recipe, I want to make it NOW! 😉
As I’m sitting here eating my “Boatmeal” cake and drinking my healthy carrot cake milkshake (also your recipe), do I even need to tell you how happy I am about the decision you made? 😉
I’m late to the party, but I just wanted to wish you well. I’m so glad you’ll be sticking around, because you are without a doubt my favorite blog :). I don’t know anyone else who can make healthy food taste so delicious!
I’m glad you’re going to stick with blogging, Katie. How else would I ever hear about these healthy cinnamon rolls? Do post that recipe soon!!! 🙂 And keep on blogging. I read every morning!
Thanks for everything you do, Katie. Your blog is amazing and one of the biggest reasons I’ve decided to go vegan!!!! Wish me luck! 🙂 🙂
Oh wow, Meg, good luck!!! 🙂 🙂
I just started reading your blog and have already made a few things..
banana bread cereal blender = awesome- I’m pretty sure I’ve had it every day for a week now and I already feel healthier
chocolate chip cookies for one= equally as awesome!
chocolate chip boatmeal= I made them in little muffin pans b/c I didn’t have anything else. YUM!
chocolate cake batter shake= I have never liked milkshakes and this was pretty tasty! My banana wasn’t frozen all the way so it probably wasn’t as good as it normally would be. I was too impatient to try it to let it freeze all the way. I will try again. =)
And finally- I’m so glad you’re going to continue b/c I love dessert and your blog has shown me that dessert can be healthy and fun! I can’t wait to try some of the pancakes! Thanks so much for all the time and energy you put into it.
Melanie
Oh wow, thank YOU for such sweet words! I’m so excited you’ve made so many of my recipes!!